Punjab CM convenes meeting of 7-member panel on Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act
PTC News Desk: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has called a meeting of the seven-member high-powered committee constituted by the state government to coordinate with the panel formed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib for examining and suggesting amendments to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 to hold detailed deliberations over the act.
According to the official communication, the meeting will be held at the Chief Minister’s residence in Sector-2, Chandigarh, at 1 PM on Sunday. The committee will hold detailed discussions on issues related to the amended Act.
The seven-member committee includes former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, Sant Giani Harnam Singh Khalsa (head of Damdami Taksal), Sant Baba Sewa Singh of Rampur Khera, former Justice Jaspal Singh, former Justice Gurbir Singh, former IPS officer and former Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) Chairman S Jatinder Singh Aulakh, and Advocate S Preet Inder Pal Singh.
The anti-sacrilege act was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly on April 13.
The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 on April 13. The law amends the original 2008 Act and introduces stricter punishments for offences involving sacrilege of the Saroops of Guru Granth Sahib.
Under the amended law, a person involved in a criminal conspiracy to commit sacrilege with the intention of disturbing peace or communal harmony can face life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh. Other offences related to sacrilege can also attract imprisonment and fines.
The law also lays down responsibilities for custodians of the Saroops. They must ensure their safe custody, protect them from damage or misuse, follow the Sikh Rehat Maryada and immediately report any damage, disappearance or suspected sacrilege to the police and concerned authorities.
The amendment also provides for maintaining records related to the printing, storage, distribution and supply of Saroops.
Earlier, in 2025, the AAP government had introduced the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025, which was later sent to a Select Committee. Previous Punjab governments, including those led by the BJP-SAD alliance and Congress, had also attempted to introduce stricter punishment for sacrilege.
The latest law was passed during a special Assembly session on April 13 and later received the Governor's assent. The Punjab government notified the Act in April 2026.
The legislation has also led to debate within Sikh religious institutions. In June 2026, the Akal Takht raised objections to some provisions and asked the Punjab government to review and amend the law.
- PTC NEWS
